Valentine’s Day: commercial nonsense or ancient tradition?

Last month, I blogged on the history of the New Year’s Resolution. This month, with my blog post so close to Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d share the history of the day many claim was invented by florists or greeting card makers.

Here are a few interesting facts:~ February 14th first became linked with the celebration of love in Ancient Rome. From Feb 13 through 15, they celebrated Lupercalia – a pagan fertility festival. Boy, we have a lot to thank the Romans for!

~ Around 496 AD, Pope Gelasius fought to suppress Lupercalia and declared February 14th St Valentine’s Day – a Christian feast day to honour St Valentine.

~ 1382 AD, Geoffrey Chaucer linked St Valentine’s Day and love in a poem he wrote to celebrate the engagement of Richard II of England.

Image - public domain

So, for the romantics out there, let that special someone know you love them tomorrow and know that you’re following in the footsteps of the Romans.

For the V Day naysayers, have my fast history facts changed your thoughts on the holiday of love?

To-morrow is Saint Valentine's day,All in the morning betime,And I a maid at your window,To be your Valentine.— Hamlet by William Shakespeare

I'm passionate about all things action romance. I love stories that combine the thrill of falling in love with the excitement of action, danger and adventure. I write about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it's possible for all of us to do the same.

21 comments:

I am a card junkie so any time I get to send or receive cards is a good time. Valentine's is one of my favorite times. When I was little one of my uncles who never sent anything out at Christmas would send each of us a Valentine's card with a two dollar bill in it. Back in the 50's two dollars bought a lot of stuff.

I knew a bit of the history, but it's great to see it laid out like that. Thanks, Anna!

I like Valentine's Day - we don't do anything big, but we always at least swap chocolates or a card. Sometimes dh will pick flowers from the garden, sometimes we'll have a special breakfast together. Whatever suits!

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